Infants who are breastfed are extremely mobile and easy to comfort, no matter where your schedule takes you. However, many women worry about breastfeeding in public. The stress of breastfeeding in a public place is often not as bad as the anticipated encounter, and often times the only people who notice you are the other moms who are doing the same thing.
Many mothers find ways to breastfeed discreetly. You could try asking your partner or a friend to stand in front of you while you lift your shirt from the waistline. The baby’s body will cover most of your upper body when you breastfeed, and you can pull your top down to her face. Some mothers prefer to place a light blanket over their shoulders for added coverage.
When you are visiting someone else’s house and need to breastfeed, it is perfectly fine to turn away from people or even leave the room if you feel more comfortable doing so. If you would like more privacy, you can always breastfeed in a public restroom, car, or empty room. Many restrooms nowadays are more infant-friendly with a designated area for breastfeeding that includes a seat and changing table.
Unique mum’s rooms are popping up all over the place in shopping malls recently, and they offer a great way for mothers to feed their infants in a calm and secluded setting. This can be a relief for sensitive infants who get easily distracted when nursing in public. It’s important to note that before your infant will learn to breastfeed without any fuss, it won’t take long at all. Another way to deal with this is by expressing or pumping your milk at home and then offering it in a bottle while you’re out in public.
It’s important to keep in mind that offering bottles with artificial nipples in the first few weeks can interfere with breastfeeding. You should use what works best for you when breastfeeding in public. In the beginning, it’ll take some time to get used to it – for both you and the baby.
If you give yourself some time, you will eventually feel comfortable breastfeeding in any situation. Your baby can sense when you’re not comfortable, so it’s important to feel relaxed while you’re feeding. If you can show your baby that you’re calm and confident, your baby will be more likely to follow suit!
